Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

DIRECTOR: Guy Ritchie
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery, Thriller


GRADE: C+


I was actually really looking forward to this film. I really loved the first one, and thought that they could make the second one at least a good companion piece to it. However, they took the new and very classy parts of the first one, and stretched them far too thin.

For example, in the 2009 original film, Sherlock Holmes had a scene where - in his mind - he figured out a way to fight a man, and win, but we see it in slow motion. Then, the fight occurs in real time, and it's a very ingenious way of the audience to see how his mind works. In this film, it's about every other scene, and it changes from the slow-motion to real-time. I understand the audience LOVED the scene from the first one, so they wanted to enhance it, but it was a bit overdone.

Also, a feature I couldn't get enough of from the first film is how Holmes would figure every thing out, using small clues and surprise the audience with his findings. However, he rarely does this in this film. I know that I shouldn't compare too much, but with such high expectations from the first one, it's hard not to.

The acting in this film was amazing! Robert Downey Jr. has, and probably will be, one of my favorite actors, and Jude Law was great on-screen with him. The only true techincal issues were the editing, probably from the director. But, that just goes back to the "figure things out in slow motion" part I mentioned above.

Overall, it's a let down compared to the first. If you really loved the first movie, I wouldn't exactly suggest it, but if you've never seen it, then you might enjoy it. A "C+" is all I can really give it, though.

Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)

DIRECTOR: Bill Condon
STUDIO: Summit Entertainment
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Romance, Fantasy


GRADE: D


Eww. I know that's not my best nor most mature word to describe this film, but that's all I can say. Personally, I have read the books, and although they were decent enough, there's was no way I ever thought Breaking Dawn could be split in two, for one reason - the least amount of things that happen are in this one out of the four. How is that even possible for either one to be longer than an hour?

But, oh...it can.

So, Bella and Edward finally are married (first 30 minutes) and they go off to their honeymoon in South America. While there, Bella finds out she's pregnant (next 25 minutes). However, this "fetus" seems to be deadly and Jacob doesn't like that (next 30 minutes). You may feel I'm exaggerating, but unfortunately, I am not.

The acting and writing is awful - I didn't think Taylor Lautner could get worse, but he does with every single film. I shudder to find out what happens in the next film with his character. Characters constantly lack motivation for whatever they're doing. So much of this film doesn't even make sense! Point one: when Bella finds out she's pregnant, the vampires want her to stop it. How exactly is that possible, when it was JUST stated that nothing can even penitrate the womb enough to do anything at all? How can they hold anything against her?

This is one of many plot holes in this film. The only saving grace was the way they made Bella's character look so degrebid in the movie, because they did an even better job than the book. But, if you REALLY love these characters, read the book - it makes a WHOLE lot more sense and you don't constantly keep getting confused by the horrible acting and worse dialouge.

Footloose (2011)

DIRECTOR: Craig Brewer
STUDIO: Paramount Pictures
STARRING: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Comedy, Drama, Music


GRADE: C-


So, I've always been a huge fan of the original "Footloose" back in 1984, so I was pretty cautious coming into this film. Now, I will continue to review it as a stand-alone film, but for those that like the original, I wouldn't even call the quality close.

The story is about a boy, played by Kenny Wormald, who moves to a new town and discovers that the teenagers have a strict curfew, a law against playing music too loud, and even a ban to dancing. Of course, being the "city boy" he has to rebel against every person that's in the tiny town. The overall story is a bit unbelievable. I know there's a realm of "movie reality" but there's some definite stretching.

For one, even though this town forbids dancing, it seems like all these kids came from Broadway. They know these advanced stalls and leaps and break-dancing moves, yet they haven't been able to have any "lessons" for at least 3 years? Also, the first, and I mean FIRST, kid that Kenny Wormald's character even speaks to automatically becomes his best friend. And apparently...that kid had no other friends, because every scene he's in, he's with Kenny Wormald?

There's a lot of plot holes and lack of character development. However, this story does get the job done. It shows how one person can make a difference, and does it through dancing. This movie does well for the audience that wants to see it. Julliane Huff's character, however, seems so unlikeable, even up to the end. I just don't care about her, even though the audience knows what she's been through, I felt to sympathy for her. Maybe that's just me, but I thinkt the writers came too deeply into her character at the wrong time.

I know a "C-" may be a little high for all the critiques given, but like I said - this film does it's job, no matter how lackluster its quality is. If you like dancing movies or any of the actors in this film, I'd recommend it...slightly.

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

DIRECTOR: Frank Capra
STUDIO: Warner Brothers
STARRING: Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey
RATING: Not Rated
GENRE: Comedy, Crime


GRADE: A-


One of the first screwball comedies, and I loved it! The story stars Cary Grant, a man recently married, who finds out his aunts are insane, homicidal serial killers. The twist? They honestly don't see what's wrong with it! Though, the plot thickens when an unexpected visitor stops by to visit.

I have to say this movie has a crazy plot, but it still seemed to flow quite well. Some complain that Cary Grant's acting is a bit over the top, but I loved it! I felt it was the only way a comedy actor could react to make it appropriate. If it wasn't for the overacting, the film would have been completely serious.

The budget for this movie was also incredible! It was a bit less than $2 million, and create such a quality film. Of course, this isn't a perfect film. Some situations seemed a BIT too bizarre, but that did add to the quirky-ness of it. Overall a very good film. "A-"!

Beastly (2011)

DIRECTOR: Daniel Barnz
STUDIO: CBS Films
STARRING: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Fantasy, Romance


GRADE: C-



So, yet again - it's been a long time since my last review. I had actually been wanting to see this film for a long time, but finally got to tonight with a good friend of mine.

Basically, this is a modern-day re-telling of the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. It's pretty accurate, in that sense. And there are a few references that make it all the more cute, because of the classic plot elements that we all know and love.

The part that makes it not so good is the "fairy-tale-ness" of it all. So much of it is unbelieveable, and even though it IS a movie, it's set in a real-life format, therefore so much of it makes you want to roll your eyes.

However, Neil Patrick Harris stars in this, and though he may not have been directed perfectly, his acting keeps any scene light and very entertaining. Overall, a "C-" fits this movie quite well, and if you want a cute story to end your Sunday night, by all means rent it.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

DIRECTOR: Rob Marshall
STUDIO: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
STARRING: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Fantasy


GRADE: B-



Wow. Just as an intro, it has been WAY too long since my last review. Hope I haven't lost anybody. (not like anyone's actually reading, anyways). Anyways, onto the review!

I've always felt likethe Pirate series was the new generation's Indiana Jones series. Wildly popular and exciting, with more sequels than you can count. Unfortuantely for the Pirates series, the sequels have always been far worse than the original. Although the fourth installment is better than the second and third, it still doesn't reach the potential of the original film.

The film deals with Captain Jack Sparrow looking for the fountain of youth with an old flame, played by Penelope Cruz's character. It's a very simple plot line - almost TOO simple, for a PotC movie - and quite easy to follow. The writers just started from scratch and began the entire stories over again.

The dialouge is...decent and is a bit wishy-washy at times, but it gets the job done. The only thing that I really didn't like was the romantic subplot between two VERY supporting characters. It might have worked better if it was more developed, but it should have been taken out completely.

A "B-" suits this film well, especially compared with trying to recover from that AWFUL third installment that made audiences go bald from scratching their heads so often.

Red Riding Hood (2011)

DIRECTOR: Catherine Hardwicke
STUDIO: Warner Bros.
STARRING: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Fantasy, Romance, Thriller


GRADE: C-



Everyone knows the BASIC story of Red Riding Hood, but this is a complete twist (and by twist I mean, driving around the block to go next door, kind of twist). The story wasn't all that original, but it at least kept the audience slightly interested for the entire time.

Acting was... bad? It wasn't the worst I've ever seen, but let's just say you can tell the director of "Twilight" directed this movie as well! The actors had much less motivation, it seemed and some acted like they didn't even care.

Another HUGE complaint is the anachronisms! Shiloh Fernandez (Peter) had hair gel in his hair, and they made it VERY obvious, especially putting him next to those who looked like they just got out of bed. This is just one of MANY small mistakes that could have easily been avoided.


The movie's redeeming point was the slight surprise ending, but it wasn't good enough to rate it higher than a "C-". Besides, it's not like anybody's going to remember this film in 6 months, anyways.

Limitless (2011)

DIRECTOR: Neil Burger
STUDIO: Relativity Media
STARRING: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Mystery, Thriller


GRADE: B-



One of the biggest problems in this film is the previews. In every commercial or trailer I've seen of it, you literally have no idea what happens in it. All you ever find out is there's this magic pill that can make you really smart and time-efficient.

Even though that literally is the plot, it's a bit deeper than that. Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is an author with writer's block who just got broken up with his girlfriend, for basically being a loser, and he meets his ex-brother-in-law, Vernon, on the street. They talk and it's implied that Vernon is a drug-dealer, and he even offers a tiny, clear pill - NZT - to Eddie for free. Eddie declines at first, but eventually when he's alone, he takes it and the world changes around him. He can see, hear, speak, and especially think clearer. He can recall every single memory from his entire life.

The visuals in this film, although very subtle, are stunning! You can tell how enhanced his entire life is, just with one dose of NZT. Even the colors in this film symbolically change how the viewer sees his character.

Bradley Cooper is...okay. I've never really been a fan of his acting, and this doesn't really prove much to me how well he can act. His ex-girlfriend, Abbie Cornish, probably does the worst job of all. Mostly just because she has nothing to do the entire film. It's possibly the direction that was really lukewarm, too.

The dialogue, however, was some of the best I've heard in quite awhile, especially when he's explaining things as he's on NZT. But, some of Cooper's delivery is just a little flat.

Overall, a "B-" is a solid rating on this film, because I did enjoy it, but there're too many flaws that make me want to give it a higher rating.

The Producers (1968)

DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks
STUDIO: Embassy Pictures
STARRING: Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn
RATING: PG
GENRE: Comedy, Music


GRADE: B+



Mel Brooks is at it again! Although not his best film, per se, it's one of his most genius concepts! Brooks has such a unique style, that even if I didn't know it was him directing, I'd feel the familiar nature with his other movies.

The film's about a down-on-his-luck Broadway show producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and he needs to find a hit - and fast. So, when his accountant, Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) shows up and accidentally tells him that a flop would be more profitable than a hit, Max realizes all he needs to do is find the worst play, the worst director and the worst actors and he'll have a sure-fire failure!

This movie is so crazy, but realistic, that you can't help but laugh, because trying to figure it out won't get you anywhere. Mostel and Wilder are both perfect for their roles. They even have so much chemistry, you could even call it a "bromance".

My only real complaint is the time. Strangely enough, it's a very short film. Just about 85 minutes. I felt they could have drawn out the really funny scenes a bit more, or even developed the story of the secretary, like they've done in the remake. But, regardless, I love this film and recommend to all!

The Runaways (2010)

DIRECTOR: Floria Sigismondi
STUDIO: Apparition
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon
RATING: R
GENRE: Biography, Drama


GRADE: C



To be quite honest, I'd only heard of Joan Jett before I saw this movie. I didn't even realize there was a band called the Runaways. Honestly, what blew me away with this film was Kristen Stewart. She actually can do more than just one expression and tone. She had raw emotion, and many times I forgot it was that life-less actress who "portrays" Bella Swan.

The film is interesting enough, but Dakota Fanning's character, Cherie Currie, felt so underwritten and sloppy that I didn't understand her motivations. It must have been a problem with both the director and writers, because I felt lost in most scenes were she had any sort of break-down or lash out. Also, the film seems to end on an awkward note. There was no resolution of any deep sort. I don't want to spoil anything, but the last scene felt like it could have been more of an ending, then just a falling action. I understand that it's a film based on true events, but it's still a film that needs to follow the regular formula for story-telling.

Something to compliment this movie on is that it acurately portrayed everything during that time: women were hated for being anything but housewives, drugs were still a problem at that time. And the lighting of each scene felt like it was very well thought-out for each emotion of the characters.

A decent film, that you may like to watch if you feel the need to see Kristen Stewart or Dakota Fanning act fairly well.

Unknown (2011)

DIRECTOR: Jaume Collet-Serra
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Mystery, Thriller


GRADE: B


I feel that this is the film that has all those actors and actresses that you've seen before, but never knew their name and wraps them up into one! The best part of this film is definitely the acting and directing, and how well they melded together. Liam Neeson was fantastic, as always and Diane Kruger - I didn't even recognize her!

There were many action sequences and only one did I have any trouble following. Most were the best I've seen in a long time, so I was very pleased. The score went well with this movie, too, because it wasn't so loud you couldn't think, but it wasn't so faint you couldn't hear it.

Something about this film keeps you guessing, because you really don't figure it out until the last 20 minutes, or so, and the twist isn't a hard one to believe. It's something that you almost want to slap yourself in your face for not realizing it!

VERY well put-together film, and I'm not even a fan of action movies in the first place.

Modigliani (2004)

DIRECTOR: Mick Davis
STUDIO: Bauer Martinez Studios
STARRING: Andy Garcia, Elsa Zylberstein, Omid Djalili
RATING: R
GENRE: Biography, Drama


GRADE: C+


Going into this, I literally knew nothing about Modigliani as a person, except he was a painter who never painted anyone's eyes. Whether or not this story is acturate, it's a very interesting portrayl of this man's life.

It's a very tragic story, centred around Modigliani's relationship with his wife, his relationship with Picasso and his relationship with his art and career. It's the old-days story of a modern rock star. They're famous, they both wanna do their own work and won't settle, and they're addicted to drugs and alcohol.

The most interesting part of the film is trying to decide if he and Picasso are friends or just bitter enemies. If the film is accurate, then I'm sure it was hard for the men, themselves to decide.

If you're a huge contemporary art fan, or love biographical films, then this you'll love this movie. And, even if you're not, like me, it's still a decent film, that you could rent to entertain yourself with for a few hours.

Zombieland (2009)

DIRECTOR: Ruben Fleischer
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone
RATING: R
GENRE: Action, Comedy, Adventure


GRADE: B


I have NEVER had an actor that was so confused with Micheal Cera. I know in "Social Network" everyone kept mistaking Jesse Eisenberg for him, but I could've sworn up and down that everyone that mentioned this movie said it was Cera. I guess Jesse Eisenberg will just have to fight harder to break that mold.

Anyways...I have to say upfront that I've never been a fan of Zombie films, purely because they just don't entertain me, but this film did a decent job. Not the most creative plot, but it gets the audience's attention.

The acting and directing was very well done, but what really surprised me was how well this film was edited. Except for one scene, everything was clear and the cinematography guided your eyes to what they were supposed to see and where.

I give this film a "B" because it was above sub-par, but overall nothing really surprised me through it. The actors were very likable and it wasn't too long, which is a problem with most films these days. I'd see it as a date film: for the action-loving one, and the comedy-loving significant other.

Hair (1979)

DIRECTOR: Milos Forman
STUDIO: United Artists
STARRING: John Savage, Treat Williams, Beverly D'Angelo
RATING: PG
GENRE: Musical, Comedy, Drama


GRADE: B+


I've heard so much about this film, that I was very excited to see what it was actually about and what it meant. However, the plot line was barely there, but it held together just enough to make the audience have emotional attachment to the characters. I see other films TRY to make the characters so lovable, but not quite like this movie.

The music was very "hippie"-ish and fits the life and beliefs of the time period of the Vietnam War. Choreography was amazing! Whoever choreographed this piece had a very good mind-set of what the music stood for, and how to portray that through dance.

Acting was very great, as was direction, and even those you don't necessarily like have some sort of charm about them. But, I have to warn you: get ready for a sad ending. But, if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have realized how attached I had gotten to the characters, and therefore how well this movie really was put together.

For all those hippies and radicals out there, for all the conformists and non-believers, for all who have ever just wanted to live life for the sake of living, this film calls your name and lets the sun shine.

Oscar Nominations!

It wouldn't be a good movie blog without mentioning the Oscar Awards! So, I'll list all the nominees and put the ones I hope to win in bold. Be sure to mention in the comments which ones YOU'd like to win!

NOMINEES


Best Picture
"Black Swan,"
"The Fighter"
"Inception"
"The Kids Are All Right"
"The King's Speech"
"127 Hours"
"The Social Network"
"Toy Story 3"
"True Grit"
"Winter's Bone"


Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in "Biutiful"
Jeff Bridges in "True Grit"
Jesse Eisenberg in "The Social Network"
Colin Firth in "The King's Speech"
James Franco in "127 Hours"


Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in "The Fighter"
John Hawkes in "Winter's Bone"
Jeremy Renner in "The Town"
Mark Ruffalo in "The Kids Are All Right"
Geoffrey Rush in "The King's Speech"


Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in "The Kids Are All Right"
Nicole Kidman in "Rabbit Hole"
Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone"
Natalie Portman in "Black Swan"
Michelle Williams in "Blue Valentine"


Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in "The Fighter"
Helena Bonham Carter in "The King's Speech"
Melissa Leo in "The Fighter"
Hailee Steinfeld in "True Grit"
Jacki Weaver in "Animal Kingdom"


Animated Feature Film
How to Train Your Dragon
The Illusionist
Toy Story 3


Art Direction
Alice in Wonderland
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Inception
The King's Speech
True Grit


Cinematography
Black Swan
Inception
The King's Speech
The Social Network
True Grit


Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland
I Am Love
The King's Speech
The Tempest
True Grit


Directing
Black Swan
The Fighter
The King's Speech
The Social Network
True Grit


Documentary (Feature)
Exit through the Gift Shop
Gasland
Inside Job
Restrepo
Waste Land


Documentary (Short Subject)
Killing in the Name
Poster Girl
Strangers No More
Sun Come Up
The Warriors of Qiugang


Film Editing
Black Swan
The Fighter
The King's Speech
127 Hours
The Social Network


Foreign Language Film
Biutiful
Dogtooth
In a Better World
Incendies
Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)


Makeup
Barney's Version
The Way Back
The Wolfman


Music (Original Score)
How to Train Your Dragon
Inception
The King's Speech
127 Hours
The Social Network


Music (Original Song)
"Coming Home" from "Country Strong,"
"I See the Light" from "Tangled"
"If I Rise" from "127 Hours"
"We Belong Together" from "Toy Story 3"


Short Film (Animated)
Day & Night
The Gruffalo
Let's Pollute
The Lost Thing
Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)"


Short Film (Live Action)
The Confession
The Crush
God of Love
Na Wewe
Wish 143


Sound Editing
Inception
Toy Story 3
Tron: Legacy
True Grit
Unstoppable


Sound Mixing
Inception
The King's Speech
Salt
The Social Network
True Grit


Visual Effects
Alice in Wonderland
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Hereafter
Inception
Iron Man 2


Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter's Bone


Writing (Original Screenplay)
Another Year
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King's Speech

Easy A (2010)

DIRECTOR: Will Gluck
STUDIO: Will Gluck Productions
STARRING: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Comedy, Romance


GRADE: D


Before I officially begin my review, this one in particular may have more spoilers in it than my usual ones (not that this film isn't predictable from the get-go) so if you SERIOUSLY don't want to know what happens, don't read further.

To continue, I think all my expectations for this film is what led to it's ultimate downfall. Because I heard so much good from it, I expected it to bet the next "Legally Blonde" but there are several reasons why this just isn't a quality film.

For one, they try too hard. They focus only on what can be the best jokes. They are offensive to Christians, homosexuals, adults - in general, and just high school in general. I dare anyone to give me ONE scene that could actually happen in the realm of possibility! They try to copy the television series "Glee" by exaggerating stereotypes, but they take it to a level where they're trying to do ANYTHING to make the audience laugh, when it just ends up offensive or awkward.

There are some scenes that made me laugh, and I honestly really like Emma Stone's acting. Just not her character. She's a girl that acts slutty, but when people treat her like a slut, "Oh, no! It's just not fair. Boo-hoo." What exactly did she think was going to happen?!

Yeah, if you have sex in high school with more than a couple of guys and word gets around, that's kind of what happens. However, the filmmakers take it to the extreme of protests and gossip spread within 20 seconds. Not everyone in the entire school is going to suddenly care, JUST because you had sex. Ooh! Plot hole: if nobody knew her, how did they know who everyone was talking about?

I realize that this has turned into a rant, and hope that if you haven't seen "Easy A" yet, that you watch the trailer. You'll save yourself 2 hours of your life, when every scene you could have written yourself.

Inception (2010)

DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller


GRADE: A-


I love movies that make you think! (It may be the nerd in me.) But, I feel like anyone would enjoy this film much more if you watch it twice. Mostly because, the first time you are just trying to understand exactly what's happening and why, so the second time you can focus more on the plot and characters.

One of the best parts of this film is the visuals, which I unfortuantely didn't get to see on the Big Screen, but sometimes the plot may move too fast for the viewer to completely understand. However, that is a small complaint, because they try to establish the universe quite well.

The acting was great, and directing was wonderful, too. There was no gaps in story or character motivation, but I didn't feel the power behind it to give it a full "A+" or even an "A". It's still one of the movies you should see, because it truly is the universal genre.

Country Strong (2010)

DIRECTOR: Shana Feste
STUDIO: Maguire Pictures
STARRING: Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Romance


GRADE: C


Ehh, country has NEVER been my favorite genre of music (probably in my least-favorite, actually) but this movie didn't necessarily have to do much with the actual "country" feel, but just the pressures of how fame and love can't co-exist. In fact, the main character said she based her acting off of pop-star Britney Spears.

This film was mostly just a bunch of cliches with some funny jokes and a twist or two, but it was mostly dry. The best actor was probably Tim McGraw, which really shocked me, considering his poor acting from before. Garrett Hedlund wasn't too shabby either, and this is actually the first work I've ever seen him in. A lot of newcomers surrounded Paltrow, but it still made an interesting set of events with the characters.

The main problem I had with the film was the sound editing. There would be a song playing in the background, and you couldn't understand what the characters in the scene were saying, which can get annoying if it happens for almost every scene. Luckily, the plot wasn't too difficult to understand, but it was mostly a nuisance.

Overall, this wasn't a horrible film, but it's not exactly going to be around for the Academy Awards.

Movie Facts Thursday!

Every Thursday, I've decided to post 10 interesting facts about films! So, check in at least every Thursday to see what the new trivia is.


TWILIGHT (2008)

1) Kristen Stewart's stunt double, Katie Powers, also plays a waitress at the diner.

2) When Bella and Edward are lying in the meadow, the sun coming through the trees makes a heart between them.

3) At the cafeteria salad bar, Bella drops an apple which Edward picks back up and then cradles in his hands, copying the cover image of the Twilight novel. This shot took 13 takes to get it right.


YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)

4) The Blind Man's parting line "I was gonna make espresso" was not in the script, but was ad-libbed by Gene Hackman during shooting.

5) The idea of Frederick's dart hitting a cat was ad-libbed on set. When Gene Wilder threw his dart off camera, director Mel Brooks quickly screamed like a cat to create the illusion.

6) Rock band Aerosmith took a break from a long night of recording to see "Young Frankenstein" in 1974. Steven Tyler wrote the band's hit "Walk This Way" the morning after seeing the movie, inspired by Marty Feldman's first scene, the "walk this way... this way" scene.

TOY STORY TRILOGY

7) At 102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes) the third film is the longest Toy Story movie.

8 Buzz's first name was Lunar Larry, but it was changed because it didn't fit the grand space hotshot he became.

9) The crowd voices of the little green aliens are actually John Lasseter (the director) and crew after breathing in helium gas!

10) In its most productive week, Pixar completed just 3.5 minutes of animation.

Black Swan (2010)

DIRECTOR: Darren Aronofsky
STUDIO: Fox Searchlight Pictures
STARRING: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, Thriller


GRADE: A


I have been anticipating this film for a long time! Maybe not THIS film specifically, but a ballet film that isn't purely about the harshness of the eating disorders or strictness of the director or the romance between the two leads.

The director of this film was AMAZING. Every prop, every costume, every makeup device is used in such a beautiful symbolist way that subconsciously make the viewer dive deeper into the self-destructive and almost crazy mindset. You begin to question was is reality and what is just another hallucination.

Portman and Kunis also did very good jobs at both their roles, both portraying the White and Black Swan in their own unique characters' ways. The only issue with this film is that the two lead females both look very similar, so in certain hallucinations it's difficult to tell that it's not the same person. But, that's something Hollywood really couldn't control, but, maybe that's what they were trying to do all along.

Overall, the best film I've seen all year (2010, that is) and I'm not even really a fan of the genre. Anyone should see this movie before they die!

The Craigslist Killer (2011)

DIRECTOR: Stephen Kay
STUDIO: Lifetime Network
STARRING: Jake McDorman, Agnes Bruckner, Kevin Kilner
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Thriller


GRADE: C+


Although most made-for-TV movies suck, this one definitely rose above the standards. Though, it certainly couldn't stand up to in-theatre films today, it would be one of the decent ones that come out once in a blue moon.

The film's about a man who seems to live a perfect life: top of his class Medical Student, engaged to a beautiful, wealthy girl and very charming overall. However, he's really a sex-addict with a gambling problem who ends up robbing prostitutes, and eventually killing one - meanwhile, all is unbeknown to everyone in his everyday life.

The movie stars some big names, mostly Jake McDorman and Kevin Kilner, but all actors do well with whatever they can with the script. The dialogue isn't that strong, but it compels the motives clear enough. For a Lifetime film, it's one of the strongest, but it still lacks the pop that movies need to make it to the big screen.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks
STUDIO: Warner Bros.
STARRING: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens
RATING: R
GENRE: Comedy, Western


GRADE: B+


Mel Brooks has done it again! I never cease to laugh, or at least smile, whenever I watch his films. "The Producers"..."Young Frankenstein"..."Robin Hood: Men in Tights"...and now one of his most famous!

Well, obviously I adore the director, but another star that is one of my favorite actors is Gene Wilder. He plays his part beautifully, but it may be just because I'm used to seeing Gene on screen about 80% of the time when I watch a film starring him, that I thought he was hardly in this movie at all.

Almost every joke that was played worked well, and the only ones may just be the generation gap from the '70s to now. My only complaint, which is why it didn't recieve an A grade, is the ending. It felt so forced and random that it led me to be confused. The errors that could be made in just the ending are too many to ignore, so I have to say that if it wasn't for that, it may have been my favorite Mel Brooks film.

Overall, if you've ever enjoyed any film of the simliar genre, you will adore this movie. It's best to watch with a group of people, because then you'll appreciate every joke a bit more.

Movie Facts Thursday!

Every Thursday, I've decided to post 10 interesting facts about films! So, check in at least every Thursday to see what the new trivia is.


The Princess and the Frog (2009) :

1) The star Ray calls "Evangeline" is in fact the planet Venus. Venus is known as the Roman goddess of love.

2) This is Disney's first film in which all of the voice actors do both the speaking and singing parts since Beauty and the Beast (1991).

3) Tiana is on-screen for roughly 40 minutes of the film, 17 of them spent as a human and 23 as a frog.


Across the Universe (2007):

4) All the main characters' names are references to famous Beatle songs. (Hey Jude, Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Sexy Sadie, Get Back(Jojo), Dear Prudence, ETC)

5) This film was released in the United States on John Lennon's birthday (October 9th).

6) During "Happiness is a Warm Gun", the dancing priest does the same dance the hippy in "Come Together" does across the crosswalk when he's in the area with the prostitutes.


TITANIC (1997):

7) Rose only says "I love you" to Jack once while they are both shivering in the water. Jack never says it, although he mentions what he loves about her.

8 Most Oscar-nominated film (14) not to win in any acting categories.

9) After finding out that she had to be naked in front of Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet decided to break the ice, and when they first met, she flashed him.

10) When Jack prevents Rose from committing suicide, he shares a story about how he once fell into freezing cold water while ice fishing and how it feels like "being stabbed with a thousand knives all over your body." This was an actual quote from a Titanic survivor describing the temperature of the North Atlantic water.

Julie & Julia (2009)

DIRECTOR: Nora Ephron
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Biography, Drama


GRADE: B-


I'm definitely a fan of cooking (well, eating mostly) and this movie just sparked my interest in the stories of these two women, who're different, but both have a passion for cooking.

The story itself is a very strong one, but it tends to lag on with both in their own way. I think I might've liked to see more of the cooking itself, than the end product or the disasters. Acting was good, along with the writing, but what they did show of the story seemed a bit more boring than it could have been.

I have to give amazing credit to the set designer, costume designer and cinematographer, because just to watch this film is a treat. To see the beauty of Paris and the details of the food makes this film delicious just to see.

Overall, a decent film, and if you want to spend a night thinking about food and cooking, this one is very interesting. Plus, if you're a fan of Julia Child, then you'll learn much of her life and how she got interested in cooking. B-. No questions asked.